Wales coach Steve Tandy has addressed reports of potential strike action by his players ahead of the Six Nations.
The Welsh Rugby Union’s proposed cutting one of its four professional sides – Cardiff, the Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – as part of a restructuring plan that has again thrown the game into turmoil.
Two consortiums have submitted final bids for Cardiff, while Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media are reportedly the preferred bidder, a move that would see the two regions effectively merged into a single entity.
That development has sparked strong reaction among supporters and fuelled speculation that Wales players, some of whom could face losing their jobs, may consider strike action with the Six Nations fast approaching.
A similar standoff unfolded three years ago, when the threat of strike action was only withdrawn at the last minute to ensure a Six Nations clash against England went ahead.
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Tandy, who named a 38-man squad for the upcoming championship on Tuesday, said his focus remains on open communication with his players.
“I think that’s more speculation, but what I will do is constantly be in dialogue with the players, how they are feeling, [if they have] any frustrations.”
A former Ospreys flanker, Tandy made more than 100 appearances for the region between 2003 and 2012 before going on to coach the side for six years, guiding them to Pro12 title success in 2018.
He acknowledged the emotional impact of the proposed changes on Welsh rugby’s traditional structures.
“If you were part of any club [that disappeared] it would sting and hurt. There is lots of history with every club,” he added.
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On the field, Wales head into the Six Nations under pressure, having not won a match in the competition for two years. Their campaign begins with a daunting trip to England on 7 February, followed by a home clash against France eight days later.
Tandy has won just one of his first four matches in charge since taking over last year, a run that includes a record 73-0 home defeat to the Springboks in November. Despite that, he believes progress is being made.
“I thought there were lots of green shoots in the autumn,” he said. “I think the important thing for us is building on that.”
Hooker Dewi Lake will captain Wales during the campaign, with regular skipper Jac Morgan sidelined through injury.
– AFP
Photo: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
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